Project Description

Constantina

HOW EFFORT AND BIG DREAMS PRODUCED A GOOD AND HAPPY LIFE FOR HER.

My story

Gerarda is 52 years old and she was born in Huaraz, a beautiful city in the Peruvian Antes. During the last years Gerarda has been dedicated to create ornaments, necklaces, bracelets and many other accessories made with Tagua, stones and Peruvian seeds.

For many years, she worked for other artisans and at the same time studied Engineering. But after a time she had to make the decision, whether to continue with the art or look for a job related to her studies. In 2000, Gerarda made the decision and chosen the art. That same year she found her own place and named it “Rumi Sumac” (a Quechua word meaning beautiful house). Since then she has being dedicated full time to the art.

More than 15 years later, she sees all her efforts were worthy. Now that her two children are already in the university and spend part of the time working with her at her place.

My art and technique

Gerarda buys the Tagua and seeds from the Peruvian Amazon. After she received the seeds, only the best ones are selected. Then are dyed with special paintings for seeds and later dried to the sun.

Some seeds like the Tagua are cut like chips others seeds like the Huayruro are used in their natural shape.

When all the material has been prepared Gerarda spends many hours at her place creating designs, mixing Tagua with other seeds, carving and painting the Tagua. This art has provided her not only with the opportunity to make a good living, but also with the opportunity to express herself.

Please enjoy pictures of some of her products:

Meet the knitters

Constantina, Dionisio, Mario and the group Inmaculada Concepcion give life to our Textile Line conformed by 60 people in average. Let us share pictures, products, stories, smiles and the background of the women and men that are part of the PERULAND ALL NATURAL family.